Door-operating mechanism.



T. J. HERON.

DOOR OPERATING MECHANISM.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 16, 1909. RENEWED AUG.18, 1910.

, 1,039,393. Patented Sept.24,1912.

4 SHEETS-SHEET l4 WITNESSES INVENTOR T. J. HERON.

DOOR OPERATING MECHANISM.

APPLICATION FILED NOV.16,19 )9. 1,039,393.

RENEWED AUG.

Patented Sept. 24, 1912.

11SHEETSSHEE'1'2.

............ mm wmfhr mv av m w mmov :v W ,3 3 QM. A a M L m g I T. J. HERON.

DOOR. OPERATING MECHANISM.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 16, 1909. RENEWED AUG. 18, 1910.

Patented Sept. 24, 1912.

4 EET SHEET 3.

WITN V E s T. J. HERON. DOOR OPERATING MECHANISM.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 16, 1909. RENEWED AUG. 18, 1910.

* 1,039,393, Patented Sept. 24, 1912.

INVENTOR WITNESSES 46m? QM UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

THOMAS J. HERON, 0F PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA:

DOOROI ERATING MECHANISM.

Specification of Letters Patent. patentedsept. 24, 1912.

Application filed November 16, 1909, Serial No. 528,360. Renewed August 18, 1910 Serial No. 577,881.

To all whom it may concern:

Be itknown that I, THOMAS J. HERON, of Pittsburgh, county, of Allegheny, and State of Pennsylvania, have invented a new and useful Door-Operating Mechanism, of which the followin is a full, clear, and exact description, re erence being had to the accompanying drawings, forming part of this specification, in which Figure 1 is a sectional elevation illustrating the application of my invention to a building; Fig. 2 is a front elevation of a door with a portion of the door frame broken away; Fig. 3 is a detail sectional view showing one form of boltrreleasing mechanism; Fig; 4 is a section on the line IY-IV of Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is a detail sectional view of one of the release valves; Figs '6 and 7-are horizontal sectional views through the upper portion of a door frame showing the mechanism therein contained; Fig. 6 showing the door in closed position and Fig. 7 showing the door open; Fig. 8 is a section on the line VIIIV III of Fig. 7 Figs. 9, '10, and 11 are detail sectional views showing a modified arrangement of the door closing device, the parts being shown in different positions in the dilferentviews; and Fig. 12 is a de tail view showing a portion of one form of tire alarm box which may be employed in connection with my invent on.

My invention has relation to door operating mechanisg and isdesigned to provide means of simple and reliable character by means of which all thedoors of public buildings, such as schools, fire doors, shutters and other similar devices, may be simulta-,

neously opened from any one of any desired number of different points throughout the building. i

The invention isalso designed to provide mechanism of this character which will not interfere with the opening and closing of the doors in the ordinary way; also to provide mechanism of this characterin which the doors having once been opened by the operation of the mechanism cannot be again closed until the mechanism has been restored to its normal condition; and also to provide mechanism of this character which can beapplied to a building at a relatively low cost, and which is not likely to get out of order but can be depended upon to operate at all times' The nature of my invention will be best understood by referencejtoj the accompanying ,drawings, in which Ihavcshown my preferred embodiment-thereof, and which will now be described, it being premised,

however, that various changes; can be made extend a system of pipes 5 leading-throughout thebuilding to the desired points, with branches extending into the framesor jambs of the doors 6 to be controlled, Tlhesystem of pipes is provided with any'desiredfnumber of release'val-ves 7, any oneof which when opened being arranged to permit the air to escape from the pipes and thereby ret-hese valves is preferably provided at each door, and as many more located at different points throughout the building, may be used as may be desirable or necessary in any particular case. One of these valves 7 is shown in detail in Fig. 5. As there shown, it con: sists of a turning plug 8 having a port 9 duce the pressure in the system; One of extending diamet ically therethrough and arranged to connect'one of the branches of the pipe 5 with a-n-escapeor exhaust connection 10. The valve plug isr'emovably' secured in a containing case or'ehamber 11 by means of a screwplug 12 inserted through an opening 13 in the door frame or jamb, said opening being normally closed by the cap plate 14.

15 is the operating handle or lever for the valve. It will be seen from Fig. 1 that.

this operating handle or lever is the only 10 part of the valve which is exposed to view, the other parts being concealed within the frame or jamb of the door; while at the same time the cap 14 and plug 12 can be readily removed topermitaccess to the valve and its removal if necessary.

Each of the doors is provided with a door-- closing device 10, which may be of any known or suitable character, except that the lever arm 17 instead of being connected to the top jamb 18 of the door frame, or the transom bar, is preferably connected at 19 to a lever arm 20 pivoted to the door jamb at 21. This lever arm 20 is normally held in the fixed position shown in Fig. 6

by being connected with the piston of a g cylinder 23, which is connected at 24 to the pipe system '5. I have shown the connection between the piston and the lever formed by a chain or other flexible connection 25 passing over a pulley 26 at the end of a piston rod 27, and thence over the idle or guidepulleys 28 and 29.

30 is a spring for cushioning the reverse movement of the piston The cylinder 23, the piston rod 27 and the chain 25, are all placed in a suitable space or opening 31 in top jamb 18 of the spring is put under the necessary degree of.

tension and normally tends to throw the door open thistendency being, however, normally restrained by the door clos-ing' device 16 which is sufiiciently strong to overcome the action of the spring 33.

In order that the doors may be thrown open by the springs 33, it is necessary to release the action of the door-closing de vice 16 in the manner hereinafter described, 2 and for latched doors it is also necessary to release the usual latch or bolt- 3& of each door. For this purpose I provide in the side jainb of each door ramc, adjacent to the keeper 35 for the i. .h or bolt St, the device now to be described This consists of .a casing 36 having therein a cylinder 37.

In this cylinder is a piston 38, which is normally held in the position shown in Fig. 3, against the action of a. spring 39, by the pressure in the pipe system 5, a branch of that system being connected to each cylinder 37. Connected to the piston rod. 40 of each of these cylinders is a yoke 41 having a nose portion 42 which is adapted to be projected into the keeper 35 and thereby push back the bolt or latch 34. The system may be operated without the use of this bolt or latch operating device just described, by eliminating the bolt or latch entirely and using the dooi=closing device 16 to normally hold the door closed. In this case, the open ing of any one of the valves 7 or the melt ing of any one ofthe fusible plugs 4.4 produces a reduction of pressure in the piping system 5, which throu h cylinders 23 and their pistons 22, etc, releases levers 90, thus permitting the doors to open and s nding in a fire alarm] This would make a more eco nomical installation.

43 in Fig. 1 designates branches of thepipe system 5,'eaoh of which is closed at its outer end by a fusible cap or plug 4%. adapted to melt at a low temperature.

The operation .isas followsz ln case offire or oil or emergency, which makes it advisablc tothrow open the doors and thus provide or the escape of the occupants as rapidly as possible, the operation of any one of the valve levers-15 opens an exhaust for the pipe system As soon as sufli'cient air has been exhausted from the pipe system so that the pressure acting against the pistons 38 no longer counterbalances the springs 39 the latter moves the pistons 38 and yokes 41 and thereby releases the latches or bolts 3i of all the doors. Simultaneously therewith the pressure in the cylinders is released and the flexible connect-ion is slackcned. When this occurs. the titer closing devices 16 can no longer ex closing eilect upon the doors, inernow no longer a fixed connection or port for the aforesaid door closing r due to the release of levers 20 by the connectors 25; consequently the lever; are free to'be moved by the door clos ng devices to the position shown iii Fig. I, and torsion sorings 33 now act to open the doors, as also shown in Fig. 7. After the system has once been operated-in the manner de scribed, the doors cannot again be closed to remain closed until the valve'or valves which were opened, have been closed and the pressure in the pipe system has been restored, since until this is done, the to sion springs'33 continue to hold the doors open,

and the latch releasing device remains inposition to prevent the door bolts or latches from engaging the keepers. it is therefore insured that the doors when open will re main open until all of the occupants of the building have had an opportunity to escape and the necessity which gave rise to the operation has so far passed that the release 'valve or valves 7 can be again closed.

The fusible caps or plugs 1% provide automatic means for elfecting the opening of the doors in case of fire since the melting of any one of these caps or plugs will ell'ect the necessary reduction of pressure in the pipe system to open all the doors.

I may also provide the pipe system 5 with a branch 45, to which is connected any suitable device a6, which will operate. upon reduction of prtssure to close an electric circuit and send in a fire alarm. Thus. Fig. 12, $6 indicates an ordinary fire alarm box, having an actuating rod 1? extending into a cylinder 48 which connected at 49.

. Figs. 9, l0 and 11.

in the cylinder against the tension of compression spring 53, in the position shown in Fig. 12, thereby holding .the alarm box in wound up condition. The rod-47 carries a cross-head 50 which engages the end of operating lever 51, which is pivotally mounted inside of the casing and whose free end projectsthrough a slot 52 into position to be engaged by said crossheadand held in the position shown. When-the pressure in the system is reduced as described, the spring 53 lifts the piston54 and rod 47, thereby allowing the lever 51 to move 'upwardly to sound the alarm, the operation being the same as that of an ordinary fire alarm signal or telegraph call box. 55 indicates a suitable gong or alarm, which may also be connected to the pipe system 5so as to be operated upon the'reduction of pressure therein by means similar to the means shown for actuating the fire alarm box. 5

In some cases, as in connection with outside doors, it is desirable to place theuloor closing devices upon the inner side of the door so that they are protected from the weather. In such cases, I may employ the construction and arrangement shown in door closing devices 56 (of any usual character) is attached to an arm or bracket 57 which is hinged to the door at 57" concentric with the door hinges. The arm or bracket 57 is normally held in the fixed position shown in Figs. 9 and 10 by connection with a cylinder 58. The cylinder 58 is similar in its action to the cylinders 23 be fore described, except that it is shown as placed in the wall 58 at one side of the door instead of above the door. As shown in Fig. 10, the door can ordinarily be opened in the usual manner, and the door-closing device will operate to close it. \Vhen, however, the pressure in the cylinder 58 is released in the manner before described, the doo1=closing device is free to move with the door, which is thrown open by the torsion spring, and the parts assume the positions shown in Fig. 11.

My invention provides a simple and effective means whereby in cases of emergency all the doors of a building may be simultaneously opened from any one of a number of different points to provide free escape to the occupants and thereby avoid the disastrous results to life or limb which have occurred on numerous occasions due to the fact that the exit openings of a building have been closed at a time when escape has been necessary.

The equipment of a building with my invention in no way interferes with the ordinary opening and closing of the doors, since until such time as one or more of e release valves is operated the door-closing devices In these figures, the

operate in their usual manner and overcome the action of the door-opening torsion springs or other door opening motive devices. An important feature of the system' lies in the fact that the system must be in working condition in order for the doors to remain closed; that is,-'if pressure in the piping system is not kept up, thedoors immediately open, giving notice that the pressure is released.

The equipment of a building with the invention' can be done at a comparatively low cost, and the cost of maintenance is also very low, due to thefact that there is very little loss of power, 'ex ceptl sfuch asoccurs from slight leakages and fromoccasional tests of the system. f

It will be obvious 'thatfthe invention is susceptible of many'modifications in details of construction and a'rrangeme'nt. Thus, the releasing devices "for" the door, door latches'or bolts may be of different form; any suitable character and arrangement of the release valves may be'provided;' and different means may be employed, actuated by reduction of pressure iathe sy tem, for throwing the door-closing device's'out of operation.

lVhat-I claim is: I v

1-. Door mechanism of the character described, comprising a system of; pressure pipes or conduits having" branches extending to the differentdoors to be opened, means for normally supplying pressure to said pipes or conduits, means for effecting a reduction of said pressure from any one of a number of different points, and door opening devices rendered operative by such reduction of pressure; substantially as described. 7

2. Door opening mechanism of the character described, comprising 'a system of pressure pipes or conduits extending to the different doorsto be opened, means for normallyhiaintainingpressure in such system, 119 a plurality of pressure releasing-devices 'lo cate'd at dilfer e'n t points, la'tchreleas i'ng devices, and door opening d evices rendered operative by a reduction-of pressure in;suc'h system substantially as described.

3.In door operatinggmechanism of the character -'d"e s cribed, a "device for opening each of theidoor's, a doorclosing device for each door no'rmally overcoming the action of theopening'device, a -fi'uid'pressure sys- 12 tem for control'lingfthe operationkpf "the closing device, and'{ineans for effecting a reduction" of pr'e'ssure in said system to throw the closing deviceout of operation; substantially as'described;

4. [n door opening mechanism of the character described, a device for opening each of the doors, a device for closing each of the doors andnormally overcoming the action of the opening device, a fluid pres &

sure system for controlling the operation of the door closing devices, and means operated by reduction of pressure in said system and whereby the door closing devices of all the doors can be thrown out of operation; substantially as described.

5. In door opening mechanism of the character described. .a device for Opening each ofthe doors, a device for closing each of the doors and normally overcoming the action'of the opening device, a pneumatic system for controllingthe operation of the door closing devices, and means operated by a reduction of pressure in such system and whereby the door closing devices of all the doors can be thrown out of operation from any one of a number of difierent points, substantially as described.

6. In door opening mechanism of the character described, a system of pipes having connections leading to the doors to be opened, means for normally maintaining pressure in such system, a plurality of re lease valves connected to the pipes at different points, means for opening the doors, a door closing device for closing each of the doors and normally overcoming the action of the opening device, devices for releasing the door bolts or latches, and other devices for throwing the door closing devices being out of operation, said devices all operated by reduction of pressurein said system; substantially as described.

7. In an automatic door opening system, the combination of a door, a pressure cylinder connected to a suitable source of pressure and arranged to hold thedoor closed, means arranged to open the door when the pressure is released from said cylinder, and mechanism for releasing the door bolt or latch comprising a cylinder normally connected with the said source of pressure, a piston in said cylinder, a spring acting on said piston in opposition to the pressure, and a pushing device connected to said piston and arranged to act on the door latch or bolt to release the same from its keeper; substantially as described.

8. In apparatus of the character de scribed, the combination of a door, a door closing device for closing the door, a movable member to which the closing device is connected, a cylinder, a source of pressure to which the cylinder is connected, a piston in said cylinder, and a connection between the piston and the movable member to which the door closing devicejs connected, where by the pressure holds said movable member stationary; substantially as described.

9. In door opening mechanism, a door, a closing device connected thereto, an opening device also connected to the door, the closing device normally overcoming the action ofthe opening device, and means for throwing the closing device into and out of operation, with means for restoring an operative connection between the closing device and the door while the door is in its open position to thereby close the door; substantially as described.

10. In door opening mechanism, a door, a closing device connected thereto and capable of being thrown out-of operation, and means for normally retaining said device in operative connection with the door, together with means for restoring the operative connection between the closing device and the door when the door is in its open position to thereby close the door; substantially as described. i

11. In door opening mecham'sm, a door, a door closing device hinged to a fixed por-. tion of the building and normally stationary, said device having a connection with the door arranged to hold the door closed when said device is stationary but permitting the door to stand in any position without said device being moved, means for normally holding said device stationary, and means for releasing said device to permit the door to open; substantially as described.

12. In door opening mechanism, a door, a bracket hinged to a stationary portion of the building, a door closing device supported by the bracket and connected to the door,- means for normally holding, the bracket stationary on its hinge, and means for permitting the bracket to move on its hinge with the door; substantially as de scribed.

13. Door opening mechanism of the char acter described, comprising a system of pressure pipes or conduits having branches extending to the different doors to be opened, means for normally supplying pressure to said pipes or conduits, means for efiecting a reduction of such pressure, door-opening devices rendered operative by such reduction of pressure, whereby all the doors may be simultaneously opened, and door closing means also controlled by said system, whereby the doors may be simultaneously closed; substantially as described.

14:. Door operating mechanism, comprising a device for opening each of the doors, a device for closing each of the doors and normally overcoming the action of the opening device, means whereby the door closing device of each door can be thrown out of operative connection with the door, and means for restoring said operative connection while the door is in its open position, to thereby ciose the door substantially as described.

1.5. In door opening mechanism, a door, a tiuid pressure system, a door closing device arranged to permit the ordinary opening and closing of the door, and means operative by change of pressure in said system and arranged to operatively connect said closing device with the door and to'disconnect the same therefrom; substantially as described.

16. In a door opening system a plurality of doors, a door closing device for each door having an element connected to a fixed portion of the building and another element connected to the door, one of said connec tions being movable to break the operative connections, and a device arranged to be operated from a distance and arranged to maintain the' operative connections when the system is intact and to throw out said operative connections when the system becomes disarranged, substantially as described.

17. In a door opening system, a plurality of doors, a door opening device for each door, a door closing device for each door arranged to permit the ordinary opening and closing of the door, and connections to all of said devices and arranged when the system becomes disarranged to permit said doors to be automatically opened; substantially as described.

18. In a door opening system, a plurality of doors, a door closing device for each door having an element connected to a fixed portion of the'building and another element connected to the door, one of saidconnections being movable to break the operative connections, and a fluid pressure device arranged to maintain the operative connections when pressure is maintained in the system, and upon reduction of pressure in the system to throw outsaid operative connections, substantially as described. 19. In door opening mechanism of the character described, a device for opening each door to be opened, a door closing device for each door normally overcoming the action of the opening device, and means for throwing the closing device out of operation; substantially as described.

20. In door opening mechanism of the character described, a device for opening each of the doors, a device for closing each of the doors and normally overcoming the action of the opening device, and means whereby the door closing devices of all the doors can be simultaneously thrown out of operation; substantially as described.

21. In door opening mechanism of the character described a motive device for opening each of the doors, a motive device for closing each of the doors and normally overcoming the action of the first named motive device, and means whereby the door closing motive devices of all the doors can be simul-' points; subtion of the opening device, and means for throwing the closing device into and out of operation; substantially as described.

23. In door operating mechanism, a door, a closing device connected thereto and capable of being thrown out of operation, and means for normally retaining said device in operative connection with the door; substantially as described.

'24. In door opening mechanism, the com bination of a door closing device comprising two elements movably relative to each other,

one of said elements being arranged for attachment to the door and the other for attachment to a stationary part of the building, a movable member to which one ofsaid elements is connected, a fluid pressure cylinder, a piston in said cylinder, and connections from the piston to said movable member, whereby the pressure in the cylinder will hold said movable member in fixed position; substantially as described.

25. In door operating mechanism, the combination of a door closing device comprising two elements relatively. movable, one ar ranged for connection to the door and the other for connection to a fixed part of a building, a pivoted member connected to one element of the door closing device, a fluid pressure cylinder, and connections therefrom to a pivoted member and arranged when pressure is in said cylinder to hold said pivoted member immovable, substantially as described.

27. In door operating mechanism, a door mounted for normal opening and closing, and door openinga'nd closing devices connected to said door and arranged to be operated from a distance and so arranged as to permit the ordinary opening and closing of the door.

28. In a door operating system, a door, a fluid pressure system arranged on variation of pressure to cause the door to open, a piston independent of the door operating mechanism and actuated by such variation of pressure in the system, and a signal rendered operative when said piston is actuated. '29. In a door operating system, a door, a fluid pressure system arranged on variation piston independent of the door operating mechanism and actuated by such 'w'ariation tem and arranged on melting to release the 10 in pressure In the system and an audible l pressure jrom said system. alarm rendered operative when said piston In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set is actuated. V my hand.

30. In a door operating system, a door, a Y fluid pressure system arranged on reduction Q HERON of pressure to cause the door to open, means Witnesses:

for supplying pressure to said system and a l GEO. PARMELnE, fusible device connected directly to said sysl H. -M. CORWIN. 

